2019-09-16: An Appearance On The Backlines
- Log: An Appearance On The Backlines
- Cast: Amaterasu, Yue Rohay, Ambrosius, Kaguya Alathfar
- Where: Mi'ihen Highroad
- Date: September 16, 2019
- Summary: Out in the field with the Guard, the Veruni suddenly must reckon with Yevon's intrusion into their operations... and attend to the protection of the weakest member of their assembled group.
DG: A party led by Amaterasu is now entering Mi'ihen Highroad Battle - Against Yevon. DG: Party formation is now over. An Entry Challenge will now be drawn and displayed to the party.
=================<* Mi'ihen Highroad Battle - Against Yevon *>================== =====================<* CHALLENGE - Skirmish from Below *>====================== |Type: Entry |Dungeon Ability: Combat |Challenge Rating: 2 | ---------------------------< Challenge Information: >--------------------------- The Guard has established outposts throughout the southern part of the Mi'ihen Highroad region. The outposts are small wooden towers, sometimes ringed by a palisade, to establish a front. During a routine visit to one of these, you have the misfortune of coming across something that has also proven to be routine: A surprise attack that comes up in the middle of the wooden walls of the outpost. The ground breaks apart with a shudder, pieces of rubble caving in. Then, a score of Guado Guardians leap out of the ground -- and are followed shortly by a group of Warrior Monks, wielding machina rifles! The attack from within the base surprises the Guard here, requiring more directed help without losing the base. The tunnel collapses afterward -- but, once these foes are routed or dispatched, some ranging may be required. =Dungeon Conditions: Wound, Injure============================================
<Pose Tracker> Amaterasu has posed.
Progress on the Guard's part has been largely slow but steady. This is best, as far as Amaterasu has been concerned -- overextension, without fresh bodies, could spell disaster.
Attempts to seal the temples and cut off Yevon's summoners from sources of power aside, that is.
Though no doubt most of the Guard considers the reason for targetting the shrines to be born of something else entirely. Her concern -- as is likely the case for the Veruni contingent -- is more practical in nature.
The increase in Fiends is a problem easily handled.
Amaterasu has been getting well-needed repairs done on Valkyrja. The sortie at Besaid had done a number on the polearm thanks to that man's interference. She'd made a rendezvous here with her sister a day or so ago, and is currently sitting idle.
Which apparently means calisthenics for her...
Naturally, it's into this relative security on the back lines that all goes somewhat belly-up in a heartbeat. The earth shudders. The walls threaten a future collapse. And there, bursting from the earth below--
It's into this surprise attack from Yevon that Amaterasu intercedes, rushing the Machina rifle-bearing monks without even a weapon in hand.
A flurry of blows from feet and fist alike follows.
DG: Amaterasu has contributed a Combat Basic Action toward her party's challenge, Skirmish from Below.
<Pose Tracker> Yue Rohay has posed.
Yue hasn't been doing well since Besaid because she ran off to go have a heartfelt talk-- er, dire confrontation with the girl who arms herself with the weaponry and armour of a Reploid (not terribly dissimilar to Valkyrja and Amaterasu's Armour in the end, Yue notes) -- and then got a wide open cut on her stomach.
"W-w-wh, what is that noise?!" exclaims the poor Minder as she perks up from where she's seated right outside the Cell.
Several Guado Guardians erupt from the ground, and she shrieks as she hurries back into the cell. "Wahhh!"
"Minder!" calls someone desperately -- and then the Guado around the Cell's perimeter look up--
As Yue descends down and rushes to her aid, sweep-kicking one off their feet and reverse axe-kicking another and wow that is a shining wizard for the last one.
She looks pained as she feels that bandaged stomach wound shift.
DG: Yue Rohay has contributed a Combat Basic Action toward her party's challenge, Skirmish from Below.
<Pose Tracker> Ambrosius has posed.
Ambrosius had taken a step back from the war front, of late, focusing his efforts more on his studies and exploring the regions of Spira presently available to him for anything that might prove to be of interest to their goals.
Today, however, he has elected to make an appearance on the backlines, to see how everyone was doing and to determine whether or not there was anywhere his services were required.
It was unfortunate, then, that this was the very day that Yevon chose to spring their ambush.
Unfortunate for them, perhaps, but for him, it is an unwelcome distraction.
Ambrosius rises, grabbing the nearest Guado and hurling him bodily into a nearby wall. It is, perhaps, more merciful than dealing with him directly. But, as he does this, a Warrior Monk nearby lines up a shot on him...
But before he can fire, something - or rather, someone - drops from the ceiling. It's Minerva, the mechanical Scutum soldier that is often found tagging along with him. With one quick, accurated bladed kick, the rifle in the Monk's hands splits right in two.
That's one way of dealing with the situation.
With those two quickly dealt with, Ambrosius and Minerva depart to ensure the safety of the rest of their allies.
DG: Ambrosius has used his Tool Minerva toward his party's challenge, Skirmish from Below.
<Pose Tracker> Kaguya Alathfar has posed.
The Duchess Alathfar, commander of Hyland's forces, is getting... impatient. Oh, sure, sure, slow and steady wins the race, go too far and it's easy to overextend, and all of that makes perfect sense, but...
Nevertheless, Kaguya made her way here, waiting for a planned movement, and has been... testy. Not towards anyone in particular, but she's spent a lot of itme in the lab. And now--
Well, don't tell Kaguya about Reploids. That could just go poorly. Instead--
She comes to a stop as the ground erupts, peering over at the Guado guardians ahead. Everybody else moves into action, but Kaguya--Kaguya, dressed fairly casually actually, in what might well be a poncho of some kind instead of her usual gilt and all--
"...You know," she says, "Maybe I should get some samples..."
Kaguya reaches into a pocket and pulls--what appears to be a tiny implement made of precious metal, a... Gold Hourglass perhaps, and she tosses it into the crowd, where it bursts, slowing time, dealing damage--
...and then a Smoke Grenade, and a Dream Powder, and--
A shining glass bottle with a radiant liquid, it's--
Yes. Kaguya just used up a Mega-Potion on this fight. She might just be tossing things from her pockets.
DG: Kaguya Alathfar has used her Tool Extravagant Inventory Overuse toward her party's challenge, Skirmish from Below.
=================<* Mi'ihen Highroad Battle - Against Yevon *>================== =====================<* CHALLENGE - Skirmish from Below *>====================== |Type: Entry |Dungeon Ability: Combat |Challenge Rating: 2 | ---------------------------< Challenge Information: >--------------------------- The Guard has established outposts throughout the southern part of the Mi'ihen Highroad region. The outposts are small wooden towers, sometimes ringed by a palisade, to establish a front. During a routine visit to one of these, you have the misfortune of coming across something that has also proven to be routine: A surprise attack that comes up in the middle of the wooden walls of the outpost. The ground breaks apart with a shudder, pieces of rubble caving in. Then, a score of Guado Guardians leap out of the ground -- and are followed shortly by a group of Warrior Monks, wielding machina rifles! The attack from within the base surprises the Guard here, requiring more directed help without losing the base. The tunnel collapses afterward -- but, once these foes are routed or dispatched, some ranging may be required. =Dungeon Conditions: Wound, Injure============================================
============<* Mi'ihen Highroad Battle - Against Yevon - Round 1 *>============= =======================< Results - Skirmish from Below >======================== Player Exhaustion Pass/Fail -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Amaterasu 0 --(20)--> 20 Fail Fight 0 Combat Effects: BASIC -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ambrosius 0 --(15)--> 15 Pass Minerva 3 Combat Effects: Fanfare -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kaguya Alathfar 0 --(15)--> 15 Pass Extravagant Inventory Overuse 1 Combat Effects: Cleanse -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Yue Rohay 0 --(20)--> 20 Fail Fight 0 Combat Effects: BASIC -----------------------------------< Party >------------------------------------ Leader: Amaterasu 0 --(10)--> 10 Fail Conditions: Injure(2)|Wound(2) Effects: Cleanse ===============================< Dream Chasers >================================
DG: The party led by Amaterasu has failed this challenge! The party gained 10 exploration! If anyone needs to use party management commands, do so now. Otherwise, the next round's GM may begin the next round with +dungeon/draw.
<Pose Tracker> Amaterasu has posed.
Amaterasu drives a fist into the midsection of one of the monks. Her next move is to wrench his hand, the one holding the Machina rifle, and twist. There's a sickening crack.
The shriek from Minder is what rips Amaterasu's attention away from the situation at hand.
Which, as it happens, is still a rather large contingent of Yevon ambushers. "No.7!"
Which open fire for the Veruni -- the two of them now -- who rush to guard the cell.
One is dropped by Minerva's timely strike. Another is slowed by a sudden and utterly extravagant use of items that cannot be bought--
And Amaterasu stands in the way of both prisoner and warden alike as the remaining shots ring out.
She's still standing when the firing stops, her armor battered and dented. Turning, she bares her fangs in a snarl of rage.
"Ambrosius! Kaguya!"
Show them no mercy.
DG: Yue Rohay has drawn a new Challenge.
================<* Mi'ihen Highroad Battle - Against Yevon *>================= ===============<* CHALLENGE - Putting Aside Our Differences *>================ |Type: Exploration |Dungeon Ability: Wits |Challenge Rating: 2 | --------------------------< Challenge Information: >-------------------------- You come across a checkpoint created by Althena's Guard. However, when you arrive, you see that what should be one camp has become two: Hyland and Rolance soldiers, who are split into two sides and having a loud argument. It seems the war that ended a year ago has left fresh memories -- and hot tempers. Here, in the Spiran countryside, the two of them look ready to break into an argument unless you step in. =Dungeon Conditions: Reckless, Exhaust========================================
<Pose Tracker> Yue Rohay has posed.
Yue's pretty darn glad, all things considered, to have Amaterasu there because the unspoken and dreadful part of her is that she doesn't quite have the superstrength or other physical traits of most Veruni. She has technique and skill to make up for it, sure, but...
There's only so much skill you can muster deflecting bullets with your shackles before it gets to be too much.
"... Commander," she speaks up, before looking up to Ambrosius and Minerva, as well as Kaguya and her rampant use of inventory! (It's OK. After thousands of years of life Yue has learnt to let go of precious items.)
She looks more concerned for the Minder as she kind of-- stares... towards all the fallen guards.
"... it's too dangerous to stay here," Yue makes the call despite not being leadership. "I'll need to escort Number Seven out--"
Before they can even get further, though, that particularly brief battle appears to have sparked an argument between the Hyland and Rolancian soldiers. Their Althenan Guard escorts.
What's a Rolance? What's a Hyland??
"... ... I ... haven't the foggiest what they might be speaking of. Commander? Kaguya? Ambrosius?"
The Minder is looking a bit shocked right now to contribute... :()]
DG: Yue Rohay has contributed a Wits Basic Action toward her party's challenge, Putting Aside Our Differences.
<Pose Tracker> Ambrosius has posed.
Ambrosius had started toward the cells the moment he heard that shriek, and he is pleased to see Yue and the Minder both safe.
"Are you two alright?" He asks, and then looks toward Amaterasu with a nod.
"Understood." He says. They're in a combat situation now - they would have to be prepared to approach it as such. Yue, then, suggests that it is too dangerous to stay here,a nd that she'll need to escort the Minder out.
"...I agree. Minerva - protect the Minder." Ambrosius says. This receives a quiet nod of confirmation from Minerva...
...but before they can get anywhere, they find themselves in the middle of an argument between some of their escorts.
...An argument that Ambrosius pays little mind, as he reaches into his poncho to draw out a silvery device. He presses a few buttons on the front and then studies it.
Its current mode appears to be a radar of some kind - he may perhaps be keeping an eye out for another potential ambush by Yevon.
They can't be too careful.
He looks up with Yue asks her question...hesitates a little, and then looks toward Kaguya.
DG: Ambrosius has used his Tool Advanced Multi-Tool toward his party's challenge, Putting Aside Our Differences.
<Pose Tracker> Amaterasu has posed.
"I am fine," Amaterasu answers Ambrosius, with a shake of her head. She does not, at first, acknowledge Yue's comment towards her. "The armor has held, though I will need repairs later." Purple-green light glows about her as she turns, regarding the point where the Yevon soldiers had struck from, her gaze thoughtful.
"No.7," Amaterasu voices, at last. She rolls her shoulders as if they are stiff, and turns towards the cell. "Stay here--"
She turns her gaze towards Yue. In this moment, it's hard to read the look in her green eyes, as hard and cold as they are. And at length, she nods.
"...CR-S01. Watch for No.7. We will proceed in search of safer ground."
And so they do.
And in the process run into a set of soldiers from Glenwood.
"You there, we have had an intrusion from Yevon. We--"
They aren't listening, she realizes. Because they're having an argument amongst themselves.
Amaterasu considers this for a moment. Then she turns towards Kaguya.
"Kaguya. Sort this out."
DG: Amaterasu has contributed a Wits Basic Action toward her party's challenge, Putting Aside Our Differences.
<Pose Tracker> Kaguya Alathfar has posed.
No mercy, is it? Kaguya glances over as she hears the distress. ...There's a lot of distress going on here, a lot of problems. Should Minder really be in war in the first place? Well, Amaterasu has her covered. Maybe it's for the best...
Kaguya is suddenly there though--with Yue, and Minder.
"Hey. Don't focus on it," she says quietly to her. "Don't think about it. Just focus on what you're doing. That's all you need to worry about. I'll pretend I said something cool and serious to you just now instead of this. It's fine."
Then, she steps forward. There's no escorting out, for the moment. Instead, the argument is going...
"Oh son of a--"
Hyland, and Rolance. of course it would come to that, the conflict that never really ended. She thinks about it, looking over all of the soldiers, and--
There is, abrubtly, a gunshot into the air. "LOSERS OF ROLANCE," Kaguya booms out. "SLACKERS OF HYLAND."
For a tiny woman, she can get pretty loud, apparently, as she does precisely as Amaterasu directs here.
"You will fall into line at attention and commence your duty IMMEDIATELY or I will start punching and not stop until I hear someone crying! I am for the record YOUR COMMANDING OFFICER, Kaguya Alathfar, THE ONE WHO BLEW UP LASTONBELL'S WALLS, so if you have a problem come and get your punches right here and now or SHUT UP because I DON'T HAVE TIME FOR THIS PETTY BULLSHIT and I will SEND YOU BACK TO GLENWOOD IN A VERY SMALL BOX!"
"YOU WILL SHARE THIS BOX. Now are there ANY QUESTIONS or have you decided you would NOT LIKE TO DIE TODAY."
DG: Kaguya Alathfar has contributed a Wits Basic Action toward her party's challenge, Putting Aside Our Differences.
================<* Mi'ihen Highroad Battle - Against Yevon *>================= ===============<* CHALLENGE - Putting Aside Our Differences *>================ |Type: Exploration |Dungeon Ability: Wits |Challenge Rating: 2 | --------------------------< Challenge Information: >-------------------------- You come across a checkpoint created by Althena's Guard. However, when you arrive, you see that what should be one camp has become two: Hyland and Rolance soldiers, who are split into two sides and having a loud argument. It seems the war that ended a year ago has left fresh memories -- and hot tempers. Here, in the Spiran countryside, the two of them look ready to break into an argument unless you step in. =Dungeon Conditions: Reckless, Exhaust========================================
===========<* Mi'ihen Highroad Battle - Against Yevon - Round 2 *>============ =================< Results - Putting Aside Our Differences >================== Player Exhaustion Pass/Fail ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Amaterasu 20 --(15)--> 35 Fail Investigate 0 Wits Effects: BASIC ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Ambrosius 15 --(0)--> 15 Pass Advanced Multi-Tool 2 Wits Effects: Enlighten ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Kaguya Alathfar 15 --(0)--> 15 Pass Investigate 0 Wits Effects: BASIC ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Yue Rohay 20 --(15)--> 35 Fail Investigate 0 Wits Effects: BASIC ----------------------------------< Party >----------------------------------- Leader: Amaterasu 10 --(20)--> 30 Pass Conditions: Exhaust(1)|Reckless(2) Effects: Enlighten(1) ==============================< Dream Chasers >===============================
DG: The party led by Amaterasu has passed this challenge! The party gained 20 exploration! If anyone needs to use party management commands, do so now. Otherwise, the next round's GM may begin the next round with +dungeon/draw.
<Pose Tracker> Yue Rohay has posed.
Yue, as a lifelong convict, is usually not the kind to be firm about decisions, instead relegating a lot of things to a world-weary resignation.
On the topic of Minder and getting her out of here, though, she's firm -- and it's with a look back towards the Commander of quiet relief that she agrees.
"... thank you," she answers. She notices Ambrosius' radar, but--
Her attention is on the Minder again as Kaguya approaches her and reassures her.
The really sick young girl, heavily debilitated from VR Factor. Does Kaguya see something of herself in her?
"Y-y-yeah," she answers, to Kaguya, looking up to her like she were a big sister. "We're going... to be okay. And you're the most-- blistering barnacle of em all, Kaguya."
She has no idea why she blurted that out. It's the first thing that comes to mind.
Yue quietly wraps her arm around the Minder to give her a hug. She looks almost motherly in that moment. She mouths Kaguya a 'thank you', before--
WOW!
That gunshot just happened, and Kaguya blasts her way into action. Literally.
The two guards look incredibly terrified and foolish at each other. The colour has literally washed away from their faces. They look at each other, look back at her--
"T-the Commanding Officer?"
"W-we're sorryyy!!"
They flee, after several dozen motions of profuse bowing.
... it was a great success!
Meanwhile, Ambrosius' radar pings. It points them in the direction of...!!
DG: Ambrosius has drawn a new Challenge.
================<* Mi'ihen Highroad Battle - Against Yevon *>================= ====================<* CHALLENGE - Rationing Emergency *>===================== |Type: Exploration |Dungeon Ability: Wits |Challenge Rating: 2 | --------------------------< Challenge Information: >-------------------------- Supply wagons keep the outposts of Althena's Guard stocked and able to meet the needs of all those on the front lines. You come across one, now, in the middle of the Highroad; a trio of Imperial Knights is keeping an eye on it, while a few merchants are going over the orders. "Damn Guado!" "That sneak attack, they made off with so much..." Unfortunately, it seems one of the tunnels dug by the Guado has opened a problem up for this wagon: in a raid, they lost half their supplies, and now they are debating how to redistribute the goods across four nearby outposts -- when they have supplies for two. However, thy also have a few spares they might be able to part with. =Dungeon Conditions: Stupify, Secret==========================================
<Pose Tracker> Ambrosius has posed.
It's distant, but Ambrosius's radar points them in the direction of Yevon forces - unfortunately, their delay in getting there means they arrive after they have already departed.
In their wake, they find a supply wagon that has had much of its cargo deprived from it, and at the moment a trio of Imperial Knights stand guard, while a few merchants take stock of what they have left.
"Damn Guado!"
"That sneak attack, they made off with so much..."
Ambrosius approaches them, brandishing that silvery device once more.
"Give me a list of your remaining inventory. I will help you calculate how to most efficiently distribute the remainder." He says.
Is this really necessary?
Truthfully, yes - the army couldn't fight if they didn't have the supplies they needed. This might not be an immediate danger, but if left unattended it may prove to have dire consequences.
DG: Ambrosius has used his Tool Advanced Multi-Tool toward his party's challenge, Rationing Emergency.
<Pose Tracker> Yue Rohay has posed.
Yue and the Minder both follow in turn, as Ambrosius' radar points them towards the direction of Yevon forces -- they need the assistance right now. She furrows her brow when she hears something like an argument brewing, though--
But fortunately, it's nothing like that.
They're low on supplies, hmm? Well...
"Dear minder, recall what I lectured to you about inventorying? Would you like to give Ambrosius a hand?"
The Minder looks on distractedly to Yue, then nods quietly as she hurries forward, tiptoeing up to peer at the wagon.
There's a quiet groan of relief from the convict, satisfied she's distracted the Minder long enough from more grisly scenes of war. She slumps against one side of the wagon and nurses her stomach wound.
She's pretty on edge right now.
DG: Yue Rohay has contributed a Wits Basic Action toward her party's challenge, Rationing Emergency.
<Pose Tracker> Amaterasu has posed.
Amaterasu nods once, with her sister's gentle nudging, the situation is sorted.
She is, for now, satisfied.
"We should move on. There may be another strike coming soon. Without Valkyrja..." Amaterasu grimaces, glances down once at Minder Number Seven and shakes her head.
Without her weapon, and with the element of surprise, and with the Minder to watch...
There are times to stand and fight. There are times for more evasive maneuvers. At least until they can get to a more defensible ground or obtain sufficient support.
Unfortunately the Guard is...
...Not handling the situation well, to her eyes.
"Poor tools indeed," she murmurs as she passes her sister, then more audibly: "Kaguya! Assist them with their inventory." She meanwhile drops to a knee besides Yue, then reaches out to plant a hand on the convict's shoulder. "You should have mentioned you were injured, CR-S01," she says, stern, her face as friendly as a sword's edge. "Here."
A ghostly purple-green haze is briefly illuminated where her hand rests, before it descends into Yue's wounded body.
"...Convict or not, your wellbeing is my responsibility."
DG: Amaterasu has contributed a Wits Basic Action toward her party's challenge, Rationing Emergency.
<Pose Tracker> Kaguya Alathfar has posed.
Hooray for radar!
Kaguya just watches the soldiers until they start running away. ...One might imagine that the sheer terror in their expressions might brighten her day a bit. Maybe it did. ...or maybe...
"Heh. Guess they aren't ready for blistering barnacles," Kaguya says, grinning over her shoulder back to Minder and Yue before she glances to Amaterasu. "Anyway you just gotta know how to manage people. And to fold them into small shapes."
But here at the matter of inventory...
"Uuuuuuuugh," Kaguya complains from a distance away from Ambrosius handling matters. "This is so borinnnng," she says, tilting her head to the side and miming a gun at her head. "None of these merchants are cool or quirky or adorable at all. There's not even one sandwich-making ghost. C-, needs improvement."
...As she speaks, though--Of course Amaterasu wants her to assist. Kaguya makes a 'bluhhh' kind of face, sighs audibly, and--sees that she has Yue covered, on her injury. Hmmm....
She walks over and chimes in after Ambrosius, "Okay so I have a plan. You guys--keep giving him your inventory. You--take those crates. We're gonna doctor them up to make it look like we had like, tons of extra supplies that they totally missed, a big ol' bait, and then. Then?"
"I'm gonna put a bomb in the box."
DG: Kaguya Alathfar has contributed a Wits Basic Action toward her party's challenge, Rationing Emergency.
================<* Mi'ihen Highroad Battle - Against Yevon *>================= ====================<* CHALLENGE - Rationing Emergency *>===================== |Type: Exploration |Dungeon Ability: Wits |Challenge Rating: 2 | --------------------------< Challenge Information: >-------------------------- Supply wagons keep the outposts of Althena's Guard stocked and able to meet the needs of all those on the front lines. You come across one, now, in the middle of the Highroad; a trio of Imperial Knights is keeping an eye on it, while a few merchants are going over the orders. "Damn Guado!" "That sneak attack, they made off with so much..." Unfortunately, it seems one of the tunnels dug by the Guado has opened a problem up for this wagon: in a raid, they lost half their supplies, and now they are debating how to redistribute the goods across four nearby outposts -- when they have supplies for two. However, thy also have a few spares they might be able to part with. =Dungeon Conditions: Stupify, Secret==========================================
===========<* Mi'ihen Highroad Battle - Against Yevon - Round 3 *>============ ======================< Results - Rationing Emergency >======================= Player Exhaustion Pass/Fail ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Amaterasu 35 --(20)--> 55 Fail Investigate 0 Wits Effects: BASIC ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Ambrosius 15 --(20)--> 35 Fail Advanced Multi-Tool 2 Wits Effects: Enlighten ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Kaguya Alathfar 15 --(15)--> 30 Pass Investigate 0 Wits Effects: BASIC ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Yue Rohay 35 --(15)--> 50 Pass Investigate 0 Wits Effects: BASIC ----------------------------------< Party >----------------------------------- Leader: Amaterasu 30 --(10)--> 40 Fail Conditions: Reckless(1)|Secret(2)|Stupify(2) Effects: Enlighten(1) ==============================< Dream Chasers >===============================
DG: The party led by Amaterasu has failed this challenge! The party gained 10 exploration! If anyone needs to use party management commands, do so now. Otherwise, the next round's GM may begin the next round with +dungeon/draw.
<Pose Tracker> Ambrosius has posed.
Ambrosius steps aside as the Minder moves to join him in helping the merchants inventory and distribute their supplies.
He lets her do most of it - only stepping in to make any necessary corrections that might need to be made, or subtly leading her to the right answer.
Consequentially, it ends up taking longer than it might have otherwise - but it does serve as a convenient distraction.
While is going on, Kaguya has a plan - they've got a lot of empty crates now, so might as well put them to use! The spare crates are soon loaded up, made to look like extra supplies despite actually containing primed explosives.
This plan won't see fruit for a little while, but when it does, the thieves are going to be rather unpleasantly surprised.
This time will be more than enough to allow Amaterasu to see to Yue's injury.
Eventually, the merchants are on their way along with their escort, leaving the Veruni squad right where they were. It was a necessary diversion, but it does mean they spent a lot of time in one area - who knows how things might have changed at this point.
DG: Kaguya Alathfar has drawn a new Challenge.
=================<* Mi'ihen Highroad Battle - Against Yevon *>================== ==================<* CHALLENGE - Way Too Many Warrior Monks *>================== |Type: Exploration |Dungeon Ability: Agility |Challenge Rating: 3 | ---------------------------< Challenge Information: >--------------------------- Patrols are not meant to fight pitched battles. Unfortunately, the force that you come across when you reach the top of the next hill is no patrol. A company of Warrior Monks -- a good fifty of them, each armed with a rifle -- is moving in formation. They are too distant to immediately charge you, and they are surprised. Several cries of alarm sound from them. Then, the front rank raises over a dozen rifles and fires in your direction. Running, quickly, may be necessary. =Dungeon Conditions: Slow, Suffer=============================================
<Pose Tracker> Kaguya Alathfar has posed.
At first, it seems that the change is that things are cleared out. However... It's not quite that. Instead, the group is provided with an opportunity disguised as a problem:
A company in formation of Warrior Monks is suddenly sighted over the top of the next hill, a while away from their past position--and Kaguya turns towards them. "Oh come--"
There are cries of alarm!! And--from their position of higher ground, they start firing. Even the Veruni tend not to want to charge into a hail of gunfire. And kaguya--
...Kaguya happens to have just stepped in front of the Minder, "Hey, what if we lead these guys away from a more important position?" That's a gunshot. "Heheheh..."
Showing... a frankly disturbing lack of concern for the danger in question, kaguya pulls a syringe--and as the Warrior Monks start their next wave, the others reloading, things are about to get... very, very dicey.
But the smallest general just jabs a needle into her leg, depresses the plunger--and breaaathes in sharply.
D
She sprints off at an angle.
DG: Kaguya Alathfar has used her Tool Formula AM-22X toward her party's challenge, Way Too Many Warrior Monks.
<Pose Tracker> Yue Rohay has posed.
There's a low, prolonged groan of relief as the green-purple haze starts wafting into her -- there's a wince from Yue as it starts knitting the wound, and she remarks quietly:
"I should have given you more credit. Duogrammaton... is less charitable."
The Minder looks particularly excited to work with Ambrosius, feeling more accomplished by the end of it. "T-this is nothing for me!" Motivation Increased!
But they're off and going again, and by the time they come to the top of the hill...
"Shh-- Minder, get down--" Yue hisses, but Kaguya has other plans. The caution was ill advised anyway, as the Monks start firing and Kaguya runs off after suggesting some fun.
She looks to the Minder.
The Minder looks back to Yue.
MOMENTS LATER
The Minder is piggy-back riding on Yue's shoulder as she frantically tries tying the convict's hair into a cute little pair of twintails with an odango bun each so that jerkbag tuxedos can make fun of her.
"Why do you have SO MUCH hair, CR-S01?!"
Yue is sprinting at top speed and trying to outrun gunfire which she can't because she doesn't actually have superspeed.
"Many-- many-- many--" hoof "--years of care. ... I love my hair."
DG: Yue Rohay has used her Tool Cute Scrunchie toward her party's challenge, Way Too Many Warrior Monks.
<Pose Tracker> Ambrosius has posed.
"Indeed, you are quite talented." Ambrosius agrees with a nod toward the Minder.
And then, they set off. It isn't long, however, before they run into a problem. Quite a few problems, rather, each one carrying an ARM.
Ambrosius, almost as a rule, does not do anything quickly. It's one of his weaknesses...but, thankfully, Kaguya provides an alternate approach to the situation that doesn't rely on him running.
"I see... Very clever. Let us do just that." Ambrosius agrees with a nod. He follows after the others, Minerva keeping close. A shield of blue crystal forms around her right arm, which she uses to deflect the bullets that will, undoubtedly, come their way eventually.
Ambrosius, meanwhile, elects to simply wade away through the hail of bullets. If anyone's going to draw any fire, Ambrosius, supposes, at least it's him and Minerva.
DG: Ambrosius has contributed a Agility Basic Action toward his party's challenge, Way Too Many Warrior Monks.
<Pose Tracker> Amaterasu has posed.
"Is he now," Amaterasu remarks, a slight smile on her lips. "And here I thought..."
She does not complete the thought and instead stands, straightening back as if to work out a kink in it somewhere. ...There is a rather large dent in the back. That seems a probable cause.
She glances over at where her sister and the others have been assisting with the inventory.
"Hmm. I wonder," she remarks, her voice low, "how worthwhile this all is..."
Shaking her head, she approaches the Minder and the others. "Come on. We should move along. There is supposed to be a reinforcement point ahead over the hill."
But when they crest the hill--
"Tch," Amaterasu hisses, dropping into a crouch. "If I were alone..." She closes her eyes, her lips twisting into a brief scowl. "...It is no matter. Come on. We can make our way around them, then."
She pauses.
"Allow me to be the distraction. Ambrosius. Watch after CR-S01 and No.7."
She rises, her tall form likely drawing attention from the Yevon forces. Particularly when she runs at them at a charge. And leaps--
To pick her way across their lines. ...Somewhat literally.
Many monks are stepped on this day...
DG: Amaterasu has used her Tool All-Surface Boots toward her party's challenge, Way Too Many Warrior Monks.
=================<* Mi'ihen Highroad Battle - Against Yevon *>================== ==================<* CHALLENGE - Way Too Many Warrior Monks *>================== |Type: Exploration |Dungeon Ability: Agility |Challenge Rating: 3 | ---------------------------< Challenge Information: >--------------------------- Patrols are not meant to fight pitched battles. Unfortunately, the force that you come across when you reach the top of the next hill is no patrol. A company of Warrior Monks -- a good fifty of them, each armed with a rifle -- is moving in formation. They are too distant to immediately charge you, and they are surprised. Several cries of alarm sound from them. Then, the front rank raises over a dozen rifles and fires in your direction. Running, quickly, may be necessary. =Dungeon Conditions: Slow, Suffer=============================================
============<* Mi'ihen Highroad Battle - Against Yevon - Round 4 *>============= ====================< Results - Way Too Many Warrior Monks >==================== Player Exhaustion Pass/Fail -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Amaterasu 55 --(25)--> 80 Fail All-Surface Boots 2 Agility Effects: Quicken -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ambrosius 35 --(25)--> 60 Fail Rush 0 Agility Effects: BASIC -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kaguya Alathfar 30 --(25)--> 55 Fail Formula AM-22X 2 Agility Effects: Stalwart -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Yue Rohay 50 --(20)--> 70 Pass Cute Scrunchie 3 Agility Effects: Fanfare -----------------------------------< Party >------------------------------------ Leader: Amaterasu 40 --(10)--> 50 Fail Conditions: Secret(1)|Slow(2)|Stupify(1)|Suffer(1) Effects: Quicken(1) ===============================< Dream Chasers >================================
DG: The party led by Amaterasu has failed this challenge! The party gained 10 exploration! If anyone needs to use party management commands, do so now. Otherwise, the next round's GM may begin the next round with +dungeon/draw.
<Pose Tracker> Kaguya Alathfar has posed.
As it turns out... The Minder has a great time! Yue doesn't even get shot that much. They are busy shooting at the more prominent problems at work: Kaguya and Amterasu, who are making themselves nice, big targets. It's exhausting for all involved though; it takes time, takes effort... and in the end at this distance they just can't hold the aggro enough for the plan to quite work.
Ambrosius, wading through bullets, does survive.
As she comes to a stop watching the soldiers go the opposite way, Kaguya slowly frowns.
"...Someone remind me why I'm being nice, again? Something about 'let the humans cover' it?"
DG: Amaterasu has drawn a new Challenge.
=================<* Mi'ihen Highroad Battle - Against Yevon *>================== ==============<* CHALLENGE - Traditional Meribian Craftsmanship *>============== |Type: Exploration |Dungeon Ability: Brute |Challenge Rating: 2 | ---------------------------< Challenge Information: >--------------------------- Much of the Guard's strategy involves the construction of outposts, like the one that was attacked earlier. As you move along the patrol route, you find one of the outputs being constructed. A cordon of soldiers has set-up a perimeter, to protect some of the civilians that have come: Craftspeople from Meribia. Woodcarvers, stonecutters, and less skilled laborers are hurriedly assembling the central tower and the palisade. Their leader turns, flashing a smile at you. "Hey! We need some help -- lifting up the wall, pounding in stakes. Can you stop to lend a hand?" =Dungeon Conditions: Tire, Exhaust============================================
<Pose Tracker> Amaterasu has posed.
It takes a while to run across a group of monks, leaping from head to head (or weapon to weapon as the case may be). Which means that as the others (sans Kaguya) break for elsewhere, away from the Warrior Monks, it takes some time for Amaterasu to catch back up to them, even with her mighty armored boots.
Or maybe, that's why she's lagged behind to begin with, considering what she was doing...?
"Hmm," Amaterasu muses, glancing over at her sister. "I suppose since we are attempting to protect someone, speed and discretion are best." She shades an eye with a hand. "They have fielded far too many for a simple ambush. ...Especially given the subterranean attack." Dropping her hand to her side, she considers this. "This must be part of a major operation. Hmm, who was it that was doing intelligence for the Guard," Amaterasu muses, tilting her head to one side. "A feint can be forgiven. But this..."
Her expression is a dark one.
"Come on. We must not linger," she says, striding on. "We should be close to the perimeter."
Indeed, there it is.
"You there, we have need of--"
The laborers intercept her before she reach the soldiers. Amaterasu stands there for a few moments, looking fairly poleaxed. "You need us... to assist with the perimeter."
She glances back at the others, then over at the damaged wall.
"...Very well. But inform the soldiers that they are to pass on word that we are under attack from Yevon, from unknown positions."
Her armor glows briefly.
"...They may attempt to rush the wall. We should take steps to ensure it is in good condition," she explains to her fellow Veruni. "This is a tactical," she says, before stooping to lift a large plank of wood effortlessly, "decision."
DG: Amaterasu has used her Tool Shielding Module toward her party's challenge, Traditional Meribian Craftsmanship.
<Pose Tracker> Ambrosius has posed.
"Understood." Ambrosius replies to Amaterasu's order with a nod as she rushes over to distract Yevon's forces.
Eventually Amaterasu returns, deliver her observations of their numbers. Ambrosius frowns. That wasn't good - this might prove troublesome, if allowed to continue.
Before they can approach the perimeter itself, they're approached by laborers, working to repair a wall.
"I agree. This may be the best course of action." He replies with a nod. Once more one of his hands disappears into the depths of his poncho, this time drawing out something that looks like a part of Veritas Varia, his signature ARM. Rather than bringing out the weapon and attaching it to it, however, he channels his etheric talents through it. Water flows into the part before taking the form of a long blade formed of water.
Nearby, there is a pile of stones. They had been brought to fortify the wall, but they had not yet been processed. Ambrosius takes a moment to look over them...and then, with a series of educated swings, the stones are carved into perfectly sized bricks, which Minerva moves to pick up and take where they're needed.
DG: Ambrosius has used his Tool Aqua Cutter toward his party's challenge, Traditional Meribian Craftsmanship.
<Pose Tracker> Yue Rohay has posed.
Who is it that was doing intelligence for the Guard? Yue has no idea. As much as she doesn't like to get involved in the war, she has to admit it's some pretty spotty work going on here. Then again, with the way the Rolance and Hyland guards were squabbling, with the way the Guard's efforts are failing, it's not surprising.
"Ah... humans..." Yue muses somewhat quietly to Kaguya, but looks relieved once they get to an actual Guard outpost.
A frown.
"Civilians..." she whispers. "I confess I am uneasy about their presence here. But--"
Amaterasu decides the tactical decision is to maintain the wall. "Very well."
A particular stance is adopted. One that Ambrosius has seen before, one that's likely to split screens in half. This time, her target is the stakes, which she'll hit in one fell swoop...
And let it be known But once in a while.
for the most part \ Once in a great
that Yue doesn't have \\ / while. The Minder
the enormous power \\ / looks left and right
Amaterasu's fielding, \/. and sags as she
the whiz-bang o starts mumbling, "Oh
intelligence of `/\` -SLASH!- no, you're about to
Kaguya or the myriad / \\ do THAT thing again,
of gadgets that / \\ aren't you--"
Ambrosius possesses. \\
\
The Minder pauses at the screen slice. "You didn't even GIVE me any time to prepare, CR-S01!!!"
DG: Yue Rohay has used her Tool Zantetshoeken toward her party's challenge, Traditional Meribian Craftsmanship.
<Pose Tracker> Kaguya Alathfar has posed.
"Hmm, okay," Kaguya allows, turning to glance at the Minder for a moment--she smiles at her--and then back to Amaterasu, where she frowns again. "Yeah. Somebody needs a 'conversation' about how to do their job."
She walks along, and... There's the laborers. The artisans! The wall! Annnd...
"Hmm," Kaguya considers. "Yeah, that sounds reasonable to me. Totally tactical. Just tactical, even." ...Is she implying something? Maybe.
She glances back to Yue. "Anyway were you saying something? I missed it earlier." She pauses. Hmm. As she sees where the others start getting into motion.... She could start lifting things. But she has way too much rank for that. So first of all--first of all she pauses, and watches--
"Yesss," Kaguya comments, beaming at the screen slice. "I love that. A+."
Then she walks around to... the other side of the wall? "Hey, so," she raises her voice to the civilians, "I'm gonna reinforce the wall, but--" She pulls--is that a bomb? Yes, it's a bomb, with a blinking green light that Kaguya seems to be... breaking apart on the spot.
"If any of you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or might be around any children in the next 24 hours, don't get near this green stuff, ok? Trust me."
This may not be reassuring, but in short order there are strange noises and sparks as a field of green energy briefly appears and starts to erect an invisible barrier over the remaining wall.
"Oh and wash your hands. Seriously."
DG: Kaguya Alathfar has used her Tool Magnetic Resonance Bomb toward her party's challenge, Traditional Meribian Craftsmanship.
=================<* Mi'ihen Highroad Battle - Against Yevon *>================== ==============<* CHALLENGE - Traditional Meribian Craftsmanship *>============== |Type: Exploration |Dungeon Ability: Brute |Challenge Rating: 2 | ---------------------------< Challenge Information: >--------------------------- Much of the Guard's strategy involves the construction of outposts, like the one that was attacked earlier. As you move along the patrol route, you find one of the outputs being constructed. A cordon of soldiers has set-up a perimeter, to protect some of the civilians that have come: Craftspeople from Meribia. Woodcarvers, stonecutters, and less skilled laborers are hurriedly assembling the central tower and the palisade. Their leader turns, flashing a smile at you. "Hey! We need some help -- lifting up the wall, pounding in stakes. Can you stop to lend a hand?" =Dungeon Conditions: Tire, Exhaust============================================
============<* Mi'ihen Highroad Battle - Against Yevon - Round 5 *>============= ================< Results - Traditional Meribian Craftsmanship >================ Player Exhaustion Pass/Fail -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Amaterasu 80 --(3)--> 83 Pass Shielding Module 1 Brute Effects: Rally and Resilient -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ambrosius 60 --(3)--> 63 Pass Aqua Cutter 3 Brute Effects: Fanfare -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kaguya Alathfar 55 --(3)--> 58 Pass Magnetic Resonance Bomb 3 Brute Effects: Rally -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Yue Rohay 70 --(3)--> 73 Pass Zantetshoeken 4 Brute Effects: Efficient and Rally -----------------------------------< Party >------------------------------------ Leader: Amaterasu 50 --(20)--> 70 Pass Conditions: Exhaust(1)|Slow(1)|Tire(2) Effects: Resilient(1) ===============================< Dream Chasers >================================
DG: The party led by Amaterasu has passed this challenge! The party gained 20 exploration! If anyone needs to use party management commands, do so now. Otherwise, the next round's GM may begin the next round with +dungeon/draw.
<Pose Tracker> Amaterasu has posed.
"Yes. But their presence this close to the lines is not of our concern," Amaterasu remarks.
Not insofar as their lives go, that is.
A few things happen:
Amaterasu gets a stare as she lifts something that it normally takes two strapping young lads to haul about and sets it into place with well-practiced ease.
The stones, seen to by Ambrosius, are neatly severed into a perfectly-sized pile of bricks; the mason nearby stoops to inspect them. "Cor, that's quite the blade you has there," she comments, squinting at one she holds in her hand.
Or, well, held in hand, before Minerva takes it from her and carries it off to where it needs to go.
There are stakes.
The screen flashes.
Sl
ides.
There are cut stakes now.
"Hm." The fact that Amaterasu turned to watch at all, Kaguya might know, is fair high praise from her sister.
And, speaking of Kaguya...
Some of the laborers, well, scatter.
Frankly, most of them do.
Setting down her latest load of lumber, Amaterasu watches for a long moment.
"Hmm. A little wasteful, Ka-ya," Amaterasu opines, ever the critical elder sister.
DG: Yue Rohay has drawn a new Challenge.
================<* Mi'ihen Highroad Battle - Against Yevon *>================= ===================<* CHALLENGE - Stashes in High Places *>=================== |Type: Exploration |Dungeon Ability: Agility |Challenge Rating: 1 | --------------------------< Challenge Information: >-------------------------- As you pass one of the large trees nearby, you catch sight of something: a bag tied up high. It looks like a scout on one side left a cache of supplies, hidden up in the trees. This might offer you some succor and a chance to rest -- if you can find a way to climb up and get back down safely. =Dungeon Conditions: Tire, Save Point=========================================
<Pose Tracker> Yue Rohay has posed.
It isn't long before the quintet are able to continue on their journey -- the pursuing army seems to have stopped with the presence of the new wall they've surreptitiously put up. Paper Tiger strategies can work sometime, even when the wall is real.
But as they pass a grove...
"Look! CR-S01!"
The Minder points up towards a tree, where a brown satchel of goods can be seen.
"I'll bet you someone left some goods up there. I can-- climb up there and retrieve it for us!" Minder speaks in that proud 'I can be useful!!' kind of tone.
She runs up to the tree and
hops
hops
...
mrrg
"C-CR-S01! Let me climb on your back!"
Yue hangs her head quietly. Not out of despondence, but out of a need to mask her expression of UGH MY NOT DAUGHTER IS TOO DARN CUTE--
"Yes, minder," she speaks with a chuckle, picking her up and letting her have a piggyback ride.
"I--I'm not doing this because I like it!" the Minder has to remind, as she tries to reach uuuup for it. ... it's still kind of out of reach. "I can do this!!" Can she...?
DG: Yue Rohay has contributed a Agility Basic Action toward her party's challenge, Stashes in High Places.
<Pose Tracker> Ambrosius has posed.
Constructing defenses goes so much easier when you've got the assistance of people with superhuman strength.
Ambrosius stays behind just long enough to study the work and ensure it's stable before following after the others. Eventually they pass a grove, where the Minder spots a satchel of goods up in a tree. At first, Ambrosius is about to suggest that he go retrieve them...but, it's clear from the way the Minder speaks that she's eager to prove herself.
Ambrosius feels it would be quite rude to dash those hopes. He'd feel bad about it!
"...Very well, No. 7. Then I shall keep watch for potential trouble." Ambrosius says, turning around to keep an eye out for oncoming enemies.
DG: Ambrosius has contributed a Agility Basic Action toward his party's challenge, Stashes in High Places.
<Pose Tracker> Kaguya Alathfar has posed.
"It's fine," Kaguya answers Amaterasu with a little wave of her hand and a shrug. "I can re-use the other parts, and this way the payload saves more lives than it was likely to take in the first place. Simple math." ...Beat, "Besides, it was hilarious to watch them all scatter, right?"
As they move on, she stretches a little, cheered somewhat by the interlude. And there, at the tree. "Oh, nice. Stuff. I.. " She pauses. She looks at the Minder, considering for a moment, and decides--
...Well, it's fine. Maybe this once...
"Yeah, you can totally do it," Kaguya agrees gamely, walking around to the other side of the tree casually. The observant might notice that she pulls something out of her pocket and--
...Is she sprinkling the contents of a weird vial on the tree??? No that'd be absurd. She must just be checking it out.
..But if the tree happens to shift and bend just a little bit as if someone's pushing it to move the branch closer to the Minder through the power of science and alien strength, then, you know, it's not her fault.
DG: Kaguya Alathfar has used her Tool Formula AM-22X toward her party's challenge, Stashes in High Places.
<Pose Tracker> Amaterasu has posed.
Amaterasu's response is simply to shrug with her shoulders alone and shake her head. "Even if a resource can be replaced, it still is not to be used lightly, Ka-ya," she scolds, using that nickname again. "If were were ambushed now by their main forces, what sort of position would that put us in? Especially with Minder No. 7 here," she adds, glancing over at Yue and her jailer/charge.
Still, she doesn't belabor the point; with the others, she continues onwards from the mysteriously (...) abandoned wall.
"Hmm?"
Minder sees the object first. Amaterasu's gaze lifts to regard it as well.
"It may be a trap," she remarks, already beginning to ascend the tree. One gauntletted hand closes around a branch--
She pauses, hanging there from the tree as Minder ascends Yue, and continues her attempts to climb ever higher.
"..."
She watches the pair in silence for a moment.
Then:
She wordlessly reaches out a hand.
"A little lift," she suggests, her gaze watching the branch mysteriously shift. "And then you can climb the rest of the way yourself. Ambrosius, I will be counting on you."
As a spotter, perhaps, in case the Minder slips...?
DG: Amaterasu has used her Tool All-Surface Boots toward her party's challenge, Stashes in High Places.
================<* Mi'ihen Highroad Battle - Against Yevon *>================= ===================<* CHALLENGE - Stashes in High Places *>=================== |Type: Exploration |Dungeon Ability: Agility |Challenge Rating: 1 | --------------------------< Challenge Information: >-------------------------- As you pass one of the large trees nearby, you catch sight of something: a bag tied up high. It looks like a scout on one side left a cache of supplies, hidden up in the trees. This might offer you some succor and a chance to rest -- if you can find a way to climb up and get back down safely. =Dungeon Conditions: Tire, Save Point=========================================
===========<* Mi'ihen Highroad Battle - Against Yevon - Round 6 *>============ =====================< Results - Stashes in High Places >===================== Player Exhaustion Pass/Fail ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Amaterasu 83 --(0)--> 83 Pass All-Surface Boots 2 Agility Effects: Quicken ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Ambrosius 63 --(0)--> 63 Fail Rush 0 Agility Effects: BASIC ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Kaguya Alathfar 58 --(0)--> 58 Pass Formula AM-22X 2 Agility Effects: Stalwart ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Yue Rohay 73 --(0)--> 73 Pass Rush 0 Agility Effects: BASIC ----------------------------------< Party >----------------------------------- Leader: Amaterasu 70 --(20)--> 90 Pass Conditions: Save Point(1)|Tire(2) Effects: Quicken(1) ==============================< Dream Chasers >===============================
DG: The party led by Amaterasu has passed this challenge! The party gained 20 exploration! If anyone needs to use party management commands, do so now. Otherwise, the next round's GM may begin the next round with +dungeon/draw.
<Pose Tracker> Yue Rohay has posed.
The Minder looks towards Ambrosius with a glint in her eye. "Thank you, Ambrosius, Kaguya, Commander! I won't let you down!" as she keeps reaching up -- Yue surreptitiously shifting her hold on her so she's more pushing her up and up as she stretches and reaches up.
The tree... starts to tip to one side. Yue looks towards Kaguya and gives her a wink because Minder is totally not realising what's happening.
shhh don't tell her santa isn't real
Is it a trap? It's possible, thinks Yue, but the way the satchel's put so far out of place seems like someone hurriedly hid it while running away...
Grip!
The Minder takes hold of it and her helmet lights up with a =D expression. "Got it! Got it! I'll open it with faith..."
There are some potions, and more importantly, several missives for the Yevon army's movements inside. Interesting. Looks like a scout or other kind of forward role might've had to discard everything on their person in a hurry.
"This is the way!"
DG: Ambrosius has drawn a new Challenge.
================<* Mi'ihen Highroad Battle - Against Yevon *>================= ======================<* CHALLENGE - On Shaky Ground *>======================= |Type: Final |Dungeon Ability: Agility |Challenge Rating: 2 | --------------------------< Challenge Information: >-------------------------- It is fortunate that at least one of you is paying attention closely to the environment, because you find an area that could result in a broken leg... or worse. You find that you have walked into the midst of ground that is riddled with slight depressions, that snake about. Whatever is digging the tunnels used by the Guado, it dug the tunnels too close to the surface here. The tunnels could collapse if too much weight is placed on them. Navigating your way out of here safely will be difficult. =Dungeon Conditions: Slow=====================================================
<Pose Tracker> Ambrosius has posed.
Ambrosius can't help but smile a little at how pleased the Minder seems to be by her success. The smile quickly turns to a frown, however, as he notes something upon returning his attention to their surroundings. He had his suspicions before, but looking more closely now...
"...The ground here is uneven. I do not believe it to be natural. Something or someone was digging tunnels through this area." Ambrosius warns. "Watch your footing - they may collapse if disturbed."
Indeed, a little ways out, the ground is riddled with areas of earth that appear to sag a little. A clear sign of tunnels beneath their feet - tunnels not unlike the ones Yevon had used to ambush them before.
This must be their doing, as well.
DG: Ambrosius has contributed a Agility Basic Action toward his party's challenge, On Shaky Ground.
<Pose Tracker> Kaguya Alathfar has posed.
Kaguya lifts an eyebrow at Amaterasu's response--but shakes her head instead of actually answering, the classic way of not having the argument. Buuut...
Trap or not, it seems to work fine. Kaguya stands back up casually--slowly--after the Minder is busied with the back, and winks back to Yue in the moment. "I had a good feeling," Kaguya tells the Minder as she looks over the contents. Interesting...
As Ambrosius mentions it though--Kaguya frowns. "...Not good. Our heavy gear might be a problem." ...Less likely hers, of course, but...
Just in case, Kaguya pulls another strange flask, popping off the cap and downing it quickly. With a roll of her shoulders, she seems a little more energetic again--
And much more light-footed.
DG: Kaguya Alathfar has used her Tool Formula AM-22X toward her party's challenge, On Shaky Ground.
<Pose Tracker> Yue Rohay has posed.
There's a very light kind of chuckle as Yue turns back 'round and scoops Minder back onto her by the time Ambrosius warns them about the uneven footing.
She looks towards Ambrosius and to Kaguya when she mentions the heavy gear'll affect them.
"I've got the lightest load here, let me take the lead. Minder?"
The Minder lights up as she holds up--
A cute scrunchie. Pink with white polka-dots, today, as she pulls up Yue's hair and starts doing it up into cute large hairloops, enough to sweep it off the ground.
"I can feel your hairdressing giving me celerity," she whispers. Then starts leaping--
And it is with grace she moves, literally walking on uneven soil on high heels. Well, it's something of a forte of hers, moving on heels...
"Here -- then here," she stamps at the solid ground with the stilettos on her heels to mark safe passage.
DG: Yue Rohay has used her Tool Cute Scrunchie toward her party's challenge, On Shaky Ground.
<Pose Tracker> Amaterasu has posed.
Amaterasu glances her sister's way but makes no comment either. This is perhaps what may pass as a fight between siblings, these days...
Releasing her grip once Minder ascends, Amaterasu alights on the ground below once more. Dusting her hands off on her pantlegs, she straightens and watches and waits.
At length, she nods once as if satisfied by the job thus completed. "Very good," she states, folding her arms over her chest.
Before her gaze drifts towards Ambrosius. "Ambrosius? What is it?"
Then she sees it too. "...Yes. It seems so. Perhaps this is connected to that group that broke in to the Guard holdings." She pauses, then drawing upon the power of her boots, proceeds at a clip across the broken ground. "Come along. We should at least find out from what direction they came in. We can report that to White Knight Leo when we remove ourselves from this field."
DG: Amaterasu has used her Tool All-Surface Boots toward her party's challenge, On Shaky Ground.
================<* Mi'ihen Highroad Battle - Against Yevon *>================= ======================<* CHALLENGE - On Shaky Ground *>======================= |Type: Final |Dungeon Ability: Agility |Challenge Rating: 2 | --------------------------< Challenge Information: >-------------------------- It is fortunate that at least one of you is paying attention closely to the environment, because you find an area that could result in a broken leg... or worse. You find that you have walked into the midst of ground that is riddled with slight depressions, that snake about. Whatever is digging the tunnels used by the Guado, it dug the tunnels too close to the surface here. The tunnels could collapse if too much weight is placed on them. Navigating your way out of here safely will be difficult. =Dungeon Conditions: Slow=====================================================
===========<* Mi'ihen Highroad Battle - Against Yevon - Round 7 *>============ ========================< Results - On Shaky Ground >========================= Player Exhaustion Pass/Fail ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Amaterasu 83 --(0)--> 83 Pass All-Surface Boots 2 Agility Effects: Quicken ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Ambrosius 63 --(3)--> 66 Fail Rush 0 Agility Effects: BASIC ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Kaguya Alathfar 58 --(0)--> 58 Pass Formula AM-22X 2 Agility Effects: Stalwart ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Yue Rohay 73 --(0)--> 73 Pass Cute Scrunchie 3 Agility Effects: Fanfare ----------------------------------< Party >----------------------------------- Leader: Amaterasu 90 --(30)--> 120 Pass Conditions: Slow(2)|Tire(1) Effects: Quicken(1) ==============================< Dream Chasers >===============================
DG: You have overcome the dungeon's trials! This run is a success! DG: The party led by Amaterasu has successfully explored Mi'ihen Highroad Battle - Against Yevon!
================<* Mi'ihen Highroad Battle - Against Yevon *>================= ===================<* CHALLENGE - Spoils of War - Elixir *>=================== |Type: Discovery |Dungeon Ability: Conclusion|Challenge Rating: 1 | --------------------------< Challenge Information: >-------------------------- Within the tunnels, before you make your way out -- and potentially collapse them -- you catch sight of a small glass vial, filled with a bright blue liquid. The Elixir is the finest of Spiran curatives; something that restores the body and soul. Today, you have found one of these rare things. =Dungeon Conditions: Treasure=================================================
<Pose Tracker> Ambrosius has posed.
"Indeed..." Ambrosius replies with a nod toward Amaterasu as she considers that this might be connected to the group that ambushed them before.
And then, Kaguya points out how their heavy gear might complicate matters. Yue, as the one with the lightest load, elects to go first and Ambrosius nods.
"Very well." He replies.
She does so, marking out places that seem like they'll be a problem. Using this, it becomes easier for them to traverse by staying clear of the more dangerous zones.
Kaguya, thanks to her formula and already being fairly light of foot, seems to suffer no difficulties whatsoever. Amaterasu, too, crosses with ease thanks to footwear that helps manage the difficult terrain. Minerva, still following along behind them, tends to hover more than actually walk, and doesn't have to worry about falling through.
Ambrosius, however, has none of these things.
He's very careful about where he steps, but eventually, he can feel the ground start to give away beneath him. Beneath his helmet, he frowns.
"...Hm. Unfortunate."
And with that, he disappears into the ground as the earth collapses. There is some silence, and then,
"...I am unharmed." He calls up. Fortunately, it'll take more than a fall like that to harm a Veruni. There's another length of silence, and then...
"...I have found something." Ambrosius says. A surge of Ether forwarns a geyser of water that carries Ambrosius upward and back to him, a crate of supplies tucked underneath one arm - among them, a glass vial filled with bright blue liquid.
To those familiar with Spiran curatives, it's quite clearly an Elixir - perhaps the best of the lot.
<Pose Tracker> Yue Rohay has posed.
Yue does look appreciatively towards Kaguya when she uses her formula. "Very inventive," she responds, but as Ambrosius starts to fall, she turns around with a snap of her head as she calls, "Friend!"
There's a yelp from the Minder as she hurries on over and peers over the edge. "Oh no! What do we--"
She pauses, as he calls that he's unharmed. She sighs in relief. "G-geez, don't scare me like that..." #-1 FUNCTION (ANSI) EXPECTS 2 ARGUMENTS BUT GOT 1 face.
The water rises and she scampers back -- and peers towards the crate.
"Hmm... what have you found?" Yue muses, though pausing and quietly nodding. "I see. These are quite potent... at least, if my old memory serves."
... Yue, you should have no memory of Spira.
She glances towards the Minder and looks towards the crate. "I do not suppose you would mind if I claimed a few, for..."
She's surreptitiously nudging her head in the Minder's direction without her knowing. She's hoping Kaguya or Amaterasu will be kind.
"This was a great success in the end!" the Minder chimes unawares.